I Want One!

[MichelleFromAlberta]

I am planning on buying a hot tub in the next couple of months, so I have just recently started my research. I need some expertise on a few issues that I can't really find too much info on.

1) Salt Water Systems - good?bad? I like the sales pitch but would like to know how much is true.

2) Chemical Free Systems - was told to use Coconut Oil?

3) New vs. Used - warranty issues?

We haven't decided on a brand yet....but want something quite easy to operate (doesn't everyone?!?!)

[D.P. Roberts]

1) Here's a link to some information on sanitizers. I'm not sure how many people have tried salt - it's usually used in pools instead of spas. The link points out one important factor - if you buy a new spa, using salt may void your warranty.

2) Ease of operation is not usually a factor. Most spas are relatively easy to program and operate. Chemical maintenance is another issue, but it's usually not specific to any brand or model.

3) Most used spas are not under warranty, as the warranties are for the original owner only.

4) I would recommend reading the user reviews here on this site and here. If you read about some brands you want to look into, check out their websites and see if they have dealers in your area. Then WET TEST - this is the most important step! And keep those questions coming.

[MichelleFromAlberta]

Thanks for your help!!

I was curious about the salt water because our local Arctic dealer had a special last weekend and was offering this system for free on all their floor models There was also another local dealer offering Coast hottubs with 1/3rd off the price of a salt water system. A Gulf Coast dealer told me that all of her spas were chemical free and only use Coconut Oil???

This week there are several other deals to be had from various dealers, including buy one get one free events, inventory blow-outs, etc.

My next question would be, when is the best time to buy?

It seems like everything is on sale now! I thought the best time would be around Christmas or mid-July. If I can get the same quality tub now for $1000's of dollars off, rather than pay full price later....but I don't want to be in a hurry just to get in on a deal - I have learned that much from this site!! I probably would have gone out this weekend if I hadn't stumbled onto this forum.

[D.P. Roberts]

I think this must be a pretty good time to buy, as a lot of manufacturers are introducing their new models now, or have done so recently. If you want to get last year's model - especially a floor model - at a good price, this is a good time to do so.

As to the saltwater thing again - if it's important to you, make sure you check with the manufacturer to make sure it's ok for your spa. Some chemicals will eat jets or hurt the shell, so make sure you check that your choice of spa will not void your warranty. "Regular" sanitizers like chlorine and bromine should be fine in most spas.

Just a reminder about the salt systems. Again, I'm no expert on them, but salt (a.k.a. sodium chloride) is just used to make chlorine. So, it's not a "chlorine free" spa, you're just adding chlorine in a different way.

[waldorbigbill]

You ask when is the best time to buy. I would say anytime your ready. When buying you need to look at like buying a car. Go to the dealers tell them nothing when they ask how much you want to spend tell them your note sure your just looking get prices off of them. Ask lots of questions. Tell them you want to look around some more but want to make a sale within next two weeks. then Leave. once you narrowed it down to ones you like send the sales people you talk to an email or a phone call say hey I nailed it down to you and another company. Tell you want to wet test the tub and do that is one more important things. then when your done ask him to give you a better price if he says no tell you need to think about it if he gives you better price tell him you will let them know in a few days you want to wet the other brand and see what kinda price they will offer. After you now have wet tested and let each company know your looking at another place . figure out one get your money all lined up. give company you like better a call say hey whats best deal you will give me on the tub other company like their tub a lot they gave me a great price but i really feel this tub is for me what best price you will do. if they say they won't do any better tell them here's my number if you change your mind in the next day let me know because i really want your tub but the price is the problem, Then wait it out I'll bet 70% you will get call back. If they won't budge offer cash deal see if they bite there. Wish you luck its all a game of who is better sales person.

PS

always ask for ,more free stuff never hurts hey throw in a extra bottle of this or that doesn't hurt to try. some place don't want to lose deal on a $10 bottle chemical.

[MichelleFromAlberta]

Thanks to you both! I am not stuck on Salt Water, I only heard about it from the Arctic ad...I just figured that the way they promoted it that it was the next best thing to sliced bread Figured I would see how popular it is (and obviously isn't). I am still considering an Arctic spa (without the salt water) - and even though I feel for those couple of people on this site that are having major issues, I think I will still check them out. I just came back from my son's hockey wind-up bbq and there was a few parents there that own Arctic and love them. Another couple loves their H20 brand (never heard of it). Another raves about their Beachcomber. So in the in end, after we narrow down the style we like...we will probably buy from the dealer that we like the best and offers the greater service/warranty (since this seems to be a big issue). Of course taking into consideration consumer reports, before narrowing down the companies, which is a big reason of why I joined this site. So far, I have learned a lot of what to look for, what not to try, etc. This has been a huge help and I will recommend this site to anyone looking to buy a hot tub.

So does it make a difference to pay cash? Because that's what I was going to do anyway. Good sales tips though, however, I didn't know that it was such soap opera to buy a spa. I wasn't trying to be cheap, I was just thinking how much smarter it is to get the same product on sale. Regardless, it makes sense to get the best deal on a quality product, and keeping more cash in my pocket

[waldorbigbill]

Not really a soap opera dealers job to get the most money your job is to get best deal. See both going opposite way . Just with cash it motivates some dealer not all. means your not going to go get a loan lets say you had bad credit then you have to shop around so that means every time chance you might walk away where cash its sold and done deal that's why cash is good sometimes .I mean there are a million ways to play stuff out in sales God guy bad guy. Best way is be honest and go the route I told you about always worked for me when buying big ticket items. Never settle for best price until your sure that's the price you want to pay. Also I always say never feel pressured in to make a choice second you feel pressured walk away get a clear mind and come back same with impulse shopping never ever buy on impulse with out research first.